//. POLITICAL & WELFARE

Welcome to University for 2008!

I’m Michael Goldstein and I have been elected as your President of the University of Canterbury Students Association (UCSA) for 2008. Throughout the year I will be working alongside 11 other representatives on the student executive to govern the UCSA. We are here to represent your views, ideas and concerns! Therefore we need you all to feel free to contact us whenever you have any difficulties or general thoughts during the year. My contact details and email address are listed below and my office door is always open.

The UCSA has been in operation for 114 years to ‘enrich the University experience of students by providing the best value and most relevant range of services to members.’ Located in the building across the river, the UCSA hosts a variety of cafés, bars, student services and places to chill out.

Many of you may be unaware of the range of services provided by the UCSA. The UCSA is a vital cog in contributing to the social side of Uni. O-week, Battle of the Bands, Re-Orientation week, International week, the end of lectures stein (tea party) are all events run by the UCSA. Most of these events are run out of the Foundry, the famous student bar owned and operated by the UCSA. The Foundry is an epic bar with many cheap drink deals that are great for the student budget. The Foundry is part of the food and beverage arm of the UCSA which also includes 7 cafés located around campus.
Another aspect of social life on campus is the clubs structure within the UCSA. The clubs are an integral part of life at Canterbury University and I strongly recommend joining one or more clubs. There are currently 99 clubs, ranging from faculty clubs (such as Educ8 or Ensoc) to clubs catering to various sporting and cultural interests.

Many other services are provided by the UCSA. These include education advocacy, student support, the weekly CANTA magazine and childcare facilities. We also help to run services such as Student Job Search and University Sport NZ (the University Games in the April holidays are definitely a must for all keen athletes). Another service voted on last year was to re-join NZUSA, a national lobbying group promoting student issues (eg student allowances for all). This body will be in full swing throughout ’08 as the election approaches.

Finally, I urge you all to get amongst it at University this year with both your studies and extra curricular interests. Make the most of the awesome services on offer from your student association and always make us at the UCSA a first port of call if you have any problems.

I hope that 2008 is a memorable year for you all, I look forward to meeting many of you and being your representative.

Regards,
Michael Goldstein

UCSA President 2008
president@ucsa.canterbury.ac.nz
03 3642652 xtn 3934
027 426 3161
www.ucsa.org.nz